(a) A state agency that provides advance authorization to a prospective state employee to visit the agency for an interview or other employment evaluation may:
(1) reimburse the prospective state employee for a travel expense incurred as a result of visiting the agency; or
(2) pay a vendor for a travel expense incurred by the prospective state employee as a result of visiting the agency.
(b) A state agency shall treat a prospective state employee as a state employee for the purposes of reimbursing or paying a travel expense of the prospective state employee. The amount of the payment or reimbursement is limited to the amount that may be paid or reimbursed for travel expenses incurred by an individual who holds the position for which the prospective state employee is being considered.